Sound recording and reproduction system



y 1950 H. s. HELLER ETAL 2,514,573

SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCTION SYSTEM Original Filed Feb. 23, 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 bmmA i HELLER,

MLLHRD1570FER INVEN TOR Arrwewzn July 11, 1950 H. s. HELLER ETAL I SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCTION SYSTEM Original Filed Feb. 23, 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Arrozwzn Patented July 11, 1950 SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCTION SYSTEM Herman S. Heller, West Los Angeles, and Willard E. Stofer, North Hollywood, Calif.; said Stofer assignor to said Heller Original application February 23, 1946, Serial No. 649,594. Divided and this application March 25, 1948, SerialNo. 17,048

Claims.

This invention relates generally to the art of sound recording and reproduction, and more particularly to magnetic sound recording and reproduction of the multiple lane class, wherein a multiplicity of recordations are made side by side on a record tape. The invention will be particularly described with magnetic recording in view, though it will be understood as broadly applicable to multiple lane recording on any tape type of record medium.

This application is a division of my parent application entitled Sound recording and reproducing system, Serial No. 649,594, filed February 23, 1946.

Multiple lane sound recording has a distinct advantage for many applications in that'for a given recording time, the necessary length of the tape is decreased a number of times equal to the number of lanes used. Assuming eight record lanes. the saving is evidently quite substantial. As a corollary advantage, the operator can always return or back track to any portion of. the recording by running the tape a distance which will never exceeda certain sub-multiple (e. g., one-eighth) of the length of tape that would be used in single lane recording.

However, even with the above mentioned advantages of multiple lane recording as now known, the time requiredto back track, i. e., run the tape in reverse to the starting point, or some selected passage, is a disadvantage under some conditions.

An object of the present invention is accordingly to provide a sound recording and reproduction system of the multiple lane record tape class wherein complete recordations of'predetermined time duration may be made on the several lanes of the tape within pre-selected longitudinal subdivisions or blocks of the full tape length. It .Will be evident that the end limits of each such block may be much closer together than the end limits of the tape as a Whole, and that the time for backtracking within such a block, or rewinding from one end limit to the other, may be very materially reduced, thus at once greatly mitigating one of few remaining disadvantages of tape recording.

A still further object is the provision of means by which a recording of any predetermined time duration may be recorded on an even number of successive. record lanes within a pre-selected block, and will be completed with the tape returned to its starting position, whereby reproduction of the recording so made may commence without back. tracking or rewindingin brief, with. no waiting period whatsoever.

A further object of the invention isv to provide means whereby the time duration of the block may be set as desired, and which, when properly set, will reverse the tape at the two end limits of the block so that recording or reproduction is confined therewithin.

A particular feature of the invention is the provision on the record tape, along side the several recording lanes, of a control lane on which is recorded signals capable in conjunction with associated apparatus of reversing the direction'of the tape at any predetermined time or tape position. The recorded signals may be used at the beginning and ending of'each block. Additionally, similar signals are preferably utilized at the two ends of the tape for automatic reversal of the. direction Ofthe tape and transference of record drive from one lane to the next. This provision safeguards against running the ends of the tape ofi the reels, and is particularly desirable when the block system is not in use, as well as when operations are outside the end limits of any blocks which have been established.

The invention, including various additional objects and features, will be best understood without further preliminary discussion by referring now to the-following detailed description of one present illustrative embodiment thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of one illustrative embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic perspective of a section of record tape and showing diagrammatically the cooperation therewith of the translating and'control signal electromagnets;

Figure 3 is a diagram indicating the drive means for the tape; and

Figures 4, 5, 6 and I are diagrammatic views of sections of record tape'indicating various illustrative ty es of block recordingswithin the scope of the invention.

There are two known methods or systems 'of multiple lane recording either one of which is applicable to the presentinvention. The first, disclosed in prior Patent No. 2,213,631, to Herman S. Heller, et' al., involvesthe use of a multiplicity of translating magnets distributed transversely across the tape, and switched successivelyinto operation as the tape is driven first in one direction and then the other. The present invention will be hereinafter described in connection with this first-mentioned system. A second system employs translating magnets which are shifted transversely of the tape into successive cooperative relation with the several recording lanes thereof as the tape is driven in first one direction and then the other. See Patent No 2,275,961 to Herman S. Heller, and also application Serial No. 608,734, now Patent No. 2,468,198, granted April 26, 1949, to Herman S. Heller. It will be entirely within the skill of those versed in the art to adapt the present invention to this second systemof multiple lane recording, and no specific illustration thereof is'deemed necessary herein,

it being sufficient to note that both systems are in contemplation and are included within the scope of the appended claims.

Reference is first directed to Figure 4 of the drawings, showing diagrammatically, and not to scale, a section of record tape on which a block recording in accordance with the invention may 7 be made. It will of course be understood that in practice the tape may be of a width of the order of A to the present illustration being considerably exaggerated and being entirely diagrammatic in nature. The successive longitudinal lines I to 8 represent successively used, transversely spaced recording lanes, and the short transverse lines connecting the longitudinal lines represent merely the shifts from the terminal ends of the several recording lanes to the beginning ends of the next succeeding lanes. These shifts might constitute actual transverse movements of the translating magnets, or, as in the particular illustration herein set forth, electrical shifts between magnets permanently alined with the respective lanes. The arrows represent the directions in which the records are made on the several lanes, and are of course directed oppositely to the direction of tape travel in each 85 instance. Referring still to Figure 4, it will be observed that there is a ninth lane 9 between the eighth recording lane 8 and the edge of the tape and it is to be understood that a separate magnet or pair of magnets is alined with said lane 9 and is adapted to record thereon certain signals utilized to perform a later described control funcgreat width exaggeration, a, section of tape l0 and a plurality of pairs of translat ng e1ectro-,,,

,magnets l2 to l9 spaced transversel thereacross, so as to cooperate with the several record lanes l to 8, respectively, andan additional pair of electromagnets 29 positioned between said rec- 0rd lanes and one edge of the tape and adapted to cooperate with the control-signal-lane 9. Each such pair will be understood to consist of a pair 65 of thin steel cores contacting opposite faces of the tape, of widths equal to the desired widths of the record or signal lanes, and having the,,, usual coils or windings.

For space accommodation, these magnets are in practice also somewhat Staggered or spaced along the length of the tape, in any suitable arrangement. The arrangement is of course made. as compact as possible. From a theoretical standpoint, such stagger may be disregarded, and Figure 4 and similar diagrams are made without taking it into account.

In Figure '3 is indicated diagramamtically a,

Reference. is now directed to Figure 1, showing schematically a complete illustrative block re- .75

cording system in accordance with the invention. The several pairs of translating electromagnets are again designated by numerals 12 to I9, and the control signal electromagnets by numeral 2|], the tape passing therebetween being indicated at H). Corresponding sides of the several electromagnets are connected to a common ground lead 24.

Three decks 25, 26 and 21 of a conventional type of rotary, multiple-contact switch have insulation rotors 28, 29 and 30, respectively, mounted tightly on a common operating shaft 3! with a ratchet wheel 32 which is operated step-by-step by a quick acting pawl 33 connected to the plunger of a solenoid 34. It is necessary that this ratchet mechanism be of a quick acting type, capable of stepping the switch ahead in a small fraction of a second. We have merely indicated such a mechanism in a diagrammatic way, since suitable mechanisms are well known to those skilled in the art. Each switch rotor carries a collector ring 35 having a radially projecting contact or brush 36. This brush 3B is in each instance adapted to sweep successively over switch contacts 31 carried by an insulation stator, indicated at 38 for deck 25, at 39 for deck 26, and at 40 for deck 21. In the present instance, the decks 25 and 2'! have eight of such contacts spaced 40 apart, and in the otherwise un-used ninth position are longer contacts or brushes 4| bearing constantly on the collector ring 35, while the deck 26 has four of such contacts spaced apart, corresponding with the second, fourth, sixth and eighth contacts of the decks 25 and 27, and has also a longer contact or brush 4| bearing on the collector ring in the otherwise unused ninth position. For a nine position switch, the ratchet wheel 32 has nine teeth, and each actuation thereof moves the rotor contacts through 40 of rotation, from one stator contact to the next.

The ungrounded sides of the several translating magnets are connected by leads 42 to the eight stator contacts 3'! of switch deck 25, and the ninth stator contact or brush is connected by lead 43 to the contacts 44 and 45 of a gang switch 46. Opposed to switch contact 44 is a switch contact 41 connected to microphone jack 48, a switch arm 49 being movable to make with either contact 44 or contact 41. Switch arm 49 is connected by lead 59 to one input terminal of amplifier 5!. The ungrounded output terminal of amplifier 5! is connected by lead 52 to movable switch arm 53 adapted to make alternately with contact 45 and with a switch contact 54 opposed to the latter, and said contact 54 is connected to speaker 55 as indicated. It will be understood that switch arms 49 and 53 are interconnected so as to move together, being in contact with contacts 4'! and 45, respectively, for the record position, and with contacts 44 and 54, respectively, for reproduce. In the record position, the microphone, not shown, is connected to microphone jack 48, and a circuit is formed including switch contact 41, switch arm 49, and lead 59 to the input end of the amplifier, and from the output of the amplifier by lead 52, switch arm 53 and contact 45, and. lead 43 to switch brush 4!. From switch brush 4|, the circuit continues via collector ring 35, brush 36, one of the contacts 31, and the corresponding lead 42 to a pair. of translating magnets, depending of course upon the position of the rotor of switch deck 25. The magnets are accordingly in circuit with the amplifier, and the machine is in condition for recordation. In the reproduce position,

one or the pairs 'o f ttranslating magnets, ;a's=' I L depending upon the position ofswitchrotor 28, forms aicircuit' via its lead 42, switch contact 3'l, brush 36'and the collector ring to brush 4i, and fromthere vialead 43 to switch contact 44-, contact arm 49, and lead 50 to theinputend of' the aniplifienand from the output end of the amplifler via lead 52, contact arm 53 and contact 54 to speaker 55. Thus a pair of translating magnets, depending upon the position of'therotor' of the switch deck 25, is in circuit with thespeaker. "The reversible drive motor 2| 'for'the'machine is indicated in Figure 4"'as of a split phasecapacitor. type, havingfour external leads 56, 51, 58 and 59, two for each phase.

Numeral fifl'designates'the terminals-ofa source of alternating current power,- andone of said'ternjiinalsis connected by circuit lead'fi I to the stator brush 4| of switch. deck. 21. Brush 4| bears on the .collector ring 35 of rotor 30, and the brush 36 carried by ring 35 sweeps successively over switch contacts 31, as already described. The contacts 31 are connected in order byleads 62 to respective. stationary contacts 0-8 of a stop selector. switch 53, saidswitch having a manually operable insulationrotor 64 provided with a collector ring 65 forme-d with. a gap 66, the collector ring being-adapted to sweep the contacts 0-8, and the gap 66ibeingadapted'to cut any selected contact. out of circuit. A conductor 61 connects the twocontacts 0. and '8. As will become evident hereinafter, thisswitch 63 may be set to open the circuit of the. drive motor in any selected position of the deck switches.

..A brush .68 bearing, on collectorring 65 between contacts 0 and 8 is connected by conductor 69 to one external lead 56 of one phase of motor 2|, the other externallead 51 of the same phase of said motor being connected by leads '0 and H to the other. terminal 60 of the source of power, a motor switch 12 being included in circuit as indicated.

The other. phase leads 58 and 59 of the motor are arranged for connection through a motor reversing relay. 13 across the power circuit, said switch being adapted when actuatedto reverse the polarity of one phase of the motor withrespect to the other whereby a reversal of the direction of rotationis obtained. Thus the phase leads 58 and 59 are connected to the two movable switch.

arms "and .15 of reversing switch 13; it being understood that sai-d two switch arms are inter.- connected .to move. together. In the, position shown, the arms 14. and 15. are in contact with switch contacts 16 and 71, respectively, the former being. connected to, one power lead 10, H, and the latter being connected to theopp fsite power lead .69.' The motor is 'thereiore connected for rota- .tion in one direction. For the reverse direction of rotation, switch arms 14 and 15 areshifted into contact with. switch contacts 18 and 19, respectively, of which the former is connected to power lead.69;. andthe latter is connected to power lead 10, 'II.' It will be evidentthat'the leads 56and lead 6], and at the other end by means of branch- .nectedatLone end by.means,of lead 8| to,pow,er

mg conductors 82- to the several stationary; con-l tacts-3T ofswitch deckr26. Thebrush 45.jof deck 26- is connected by a lead 83 to power. lead 10.

It willbe evident that with the rotor-of switch deck 26 in the position shown in Figure l, the rotor contact 36-wil1 be in the first position, and will notbe incontact with anyof the contacts 31, so--thatelect-romagnet is deenergized, and motor reverse switch 13 is in the position H1115?- trate'd. Upon energization of solenoid 34, however, ratchet wheel 32 will be advanced by one step, as will-theroto-r contacts 35 0f. the several switch decks, andthe rotor contact 36 of deck 26 will then make with the first of the contacts 31 of'the deck 26. Electromagnet 8.0; one-.side of-W-hich is permanently conne'cted' to one sideof thesource of current, thereupon has its other side connected through contacts 31 and 36 brush 41- and lead. 83 to the-other side of the source of power. Electromagnet an is thustenergized, and'moves theswitch 13 to the alternate position thereby reversing the direction ofdrive motor 2|. It will be evident that the contacts 31 for the switch deck 26, being spaced '80 apart, complete circuit for the electromagnet' 80 only in alternate positions of the ratchet" wheel 32 and switch rotor, so that in the first, third, fifth, etc., positions, the electromagnet 86 is deenergized and the motor drives in one directionwhile in the second, fourth, etc., positions the electromagnet'all is energized, and the motor drives in the reverse direction,

The subject matter of Figure l as so far described with the exception of the control signal magnets 20' and the selector switch 63 is more or less disclosed in the aforementioned patents and applications. Thus, the system as so far described, provides a means whereby, upon closure of motor switch 12. the magnetic tape 10 will be driven by the motor 2! in one direction, and with the assumptionthat the switch decks 25 and 26 are in the condition shown in Figure 1, the first pair of translating magnets I 2 will be in active circuit, capable of making a recording on the first lineyof-the tape. If now the solenoid 34 be energized, in amanner subsequently to be described, the ratchet wheel 32 will be moved ahead one step, moving with it the rotors of the several switch decks. In the new position of switch deck 25;first lane translating magnet-s l2 will be. cut outof circuit and second lane translating. magnets I3switched into circuit to make a recording on lane2. I At the same time, switch deck 26,in its. new position, effects energization of electromagnet. 80, and therefore operation of switch I3 toreversethe. direction of the tape drive motor 2! so. that. the record tape will then travel. in the. reverse direction. Hence, a record having beenmade onlane I with one direction of tape travel,,a second. record, or a continuation of the first, may now be made on lane 2 with the tape 1 traveling. in the reverse direction. As already .stated, the above functions have been accomplished in the recording systems disclosed in the aforementioned patents and applications. Figure 1 also showselectric circuit means whereby the .block' recording system of the present invention may bev accomplished, and. this circuit means will next be described.

The, aforementioned control signal electromagnets- 2!!v are connected by lead 84 to the. movable arm. 85v of a record-reproduce? switch 86, which armis adapted to be moved. tomake with a contact 8.! for, recording purposes, and witha contact 88 for reproducing purposes. Contact atla -7s 81: is connected by lead 89 to one output terminal Ora signal oscillator or generator 99, having a frequency of for instance 1000 cycles. The other output terminal of oscillator 99 isv connected by lead9I to the respective normally open stationary contacts 92 and 93 of two manual switches 94 and .95. The movable arms 96 and 91 of these switches, cooperable with the contacts 92 and 93, are grounded. Closure of either of these switches will connect oscillator 99 in circuit with translating magnets 29, and therefore accomplish 2,1090 cycle recording on the ninth or control signal lane ofthe tape. Switch 94 is a gang type, including also stationary contact 98 and movable switch arm 99, movable with arm 96, and normally' making with contact 98, but separating therefrom as the two arms 96 and 99 are moved to the alternate position. Switch arm 99 is connected to lead 89 by a lead I99, as indicated. The contact 98 of switch 89 is connected by lead IM to one input terminal of signal amplifier I92, and-the stationary contact 98 of switch 94 is connected by lead I93 and the lead I9I to the same amplifier input terminal.

The output terminals of amplifier I22 are connected to a relay coil I94 which, when energized, closes, a normally open switch I95. Connected to one side of the switch I95 is a lead I99 joining with one power lead II, and connected to the other side of the switch I95 is a lead I9! connected to one side of the electromagnet 34, the other side of which is connected by lead I98 to the other power lead GI.

-A normally open manual switch I99 is connected between the ungrounded end of translating magnets 29 and ground. w I

A normally open lane selector switch H9 is connected between lead I9! and lead II, outside of motor switch 12,- whereby the stepping solenoid 39 can be energizedunder manual control, eventhough the motor switch 7-2 be open. I I a The operation of the system will next be described. It willbe assumed, asa first example, that it is desired to make a 15 minutes block recording on lanes I and 2 of the tape, starting at the beginning point of lane I, and ending at-the end point of lane 2, opposite the beginning point of lane I, as indicated in Figure 5. It. is assumed that the'tape will travel fromright to (left during the recording on lane I, and from left to right during .the recording one lane -2. The small arrows in Figure indicate the directions inwhich the recordings will progress along the, record lanes. The record having been made as proposed on lanes I and 2, then by simply shifting back to lane reproduction may be begun immediately. This is of interest, for instance, where it is desired to make a recording of a radio program, and to play the recording back the instant it has been completed. Accordingly, assume all p of the switches to be in the position of Figure 1 (note that selector switch 63 is in position,2, denoting that the recording will terminate at the end of record lane 2) and assume further that the. total recording time is to be of 15 minutes duration, as in'the case of a 15 minute radio program. First lane translating magnets I2 are in circuit through switch deck 25 with the microphone plugged into' jack 48, in condition for a recording to be made on lane No. 1.

The machine is preferably started a second or so before the recording is to begin. At the proper time, motor switich I2 is closed, energizing and starting the tape drive motor 2|. The moment the tape begins to travel, manual switch '94 is moved from the position-shown. in.,Figure 1, to the alternate position. Switch arm 96 making withcontact92, a circuit is formed whereby oscile lator 99 feeds control signa'lmagnets 29, anda 1090 cycle note is recorded on the control signal lane 9 of the tape. The switch 96 is held'in position for approximately a second, whereby, with atypical tape speed of. 60 ieet per minute, a one thousandcyclecontrol signal of approxi; mately one :foot inlength is recorded on the con-v trol lane. This control signal is designated gen! erally by the numeral III in Figure'5, though with considerable contraction owing to space lime itations. The describedoperation-of switch,,94 has also temporarily broken'the conrlectionbe tween oscillator 99 andamplifier 192, the reason for which will presently become clear. I

Operations are preferably so timed thatth'e control signal I II has been recorded by the time the recording is started on lane I. Seven and one-half minutes following the beginning of the predetermined recording period, the manual switch is closed settingint operation a train of events as follows:' oscillator 99.,i's' again in closed circuit with electromagnets 29, and another control signal I 82 of 1090 cycles is recorded on the control signal lane 9 of the tape. Further more, the oscillator 99 having its circuit thus closed to ground, sends a signal current through lead I99, switch contacts 99, and 98, and leads I93 and Hit to' signal amplifier I92. The amplified signal energizes relay I94 to close switch I95. This closure of switch I95 acts in turn to connect solenoid 34 across the two power leads, and

the resulting energization of the solenoid actuates ratchet wheel 32 to move ahead one step, moving I the rotors of switch decks 25, 29 and 2! likewise one step ahead. The switch rotor of deck 25 now connects second lane translating magnets I9 in circuit, while'the rotor contact 39 of switch deck 26, now making with one of contacts 91, energizes magnet 89 to actuate motor reverse switch I3, and so reverse the direction of the tape. Thus the result of closure of switch 9 has been to make the control signal record II2, to shift over from first lane magnets I2 to second lane magnets I3, and to reverse the direction of the tape. The time taken to accomplish these operations, before the motor 2i reverses its direction, is preferably of the order of a fraction of a second, for example, a quarter of a second, so that the control signal H2 may be of 'a length ofsay three inches'on the tape. It may now be understood why the circuit was broken at 99, 99 during the making'of the signal record I I I, since if the circuit had remained closed from the oscillator 99 to the amplifier I92 duringthat operation, the magnet I94 would have been energized, an'd'the solenoid .34 improperly energized. and cause to change lanes and reverse the drivemotor. The switch 98, 99 prevents this occurrenceduring the starting operation. It will of course be understood that the manual switch 95 will be released and permitted to open the instant the above described switch over to lane 2 has been accomplished.

Instantly after the tape has reversed direction, the recorded control signal I t2 passing the translating magnets 29 will generate a signal therein, which will of course be transmitted via lead 94, switch 86 to lead 89, lead I99, switch contacts '99 and98, and leads, I93 and I9I to amplifier I92, and might be thought toimproperly actuatethe relay I94 at this time. This will not'occur, however, forthe reasonthat the tape drive motor will notbe able toachieve full speed'until the tape has-moved several inches, withthe result that the generated signal voltage, which willfof course be at a frequency of less than the normal i000 cycles, will not be of sufficient amplitude to effect an operation of the relay I04. It should be noted that the maximumamplitude is obtained from a magnetic tape when the signal re uency is. 1000 cycles; and it will be understood 1 that the gain of the amplifier is made sufiicientlylow with reference t the signal strength reaching its input terminals that a 1000 cycle. signal is required toactuate therelay I04. Thus-the recorded 1000 cyclesignal on the tape will not'actuate the relay I04 unless it passes the 'magnets'20 at sub'stantially. full tape speed, which is not achieved from aideadstop within the approximately threeinches-ofltape occupied by the recrd II2.

Recording thus may'proceed on the second lane of the tape, with the tape traveling oppositely to its initial direction. Immediately after the total recording period of 15 minutes has elapsed, the initially recorded control signal I I I will encounter the control'magnets 20, and will generate a 1000 cycle signal therein which 'will' be conducted via conductor *84,swi't ch' 86, conductors 80 and I00, switch contacts99 and 98 and conductors I03 and I 0| to amplifier I02, whereby magnet I04 closes switch I05 to energizesolenoid 34 and so advance the rotors of switch decks 25, '26, 21 on further step ahead. Thishas the efiect of switching to third lane magnets I4, and operatin switch I3 to reverse the direction of the tape drive motor. It also has the effect,'however, at switch deck 21 and selector switch. 63, of stopping the drive motor. connected to collector ring 35 ofdeck' 21 by brush 4| ,brush 36, one of contacts 31' and the corresponding conductor '62 and stationary selector switch'conta-cts, collector ring 65, brush 68 and lead 69. With the selector switch '63 in the position of Figure 1, this circuit is'broken at selector switch contact 2 when the rotor of deck 21 reaches the third position, as it does when solenoid34 is energized at the end of lane 2 v(or at thetbeginning of lane 3). The tape drive motor thus comes to a stop. The motor switch 'IZ'slhould however then be opened, so that subsequent actuations of lane selector switch III) will not result in restarting the motor. 7

There has thusbeen produced the block recording I I, using however'only the first and'sec- 0nd lanes I and 2. The length of the block. in time, has been 7 1 minutes, and it will be'understood that the proportionate length of the tape usedmight forv instance be one-quarter of itsfull length. I

If it should now be desired to reproduce at once the recordings made on lanes I and .2, manual switch I I0 is closed successively a number of times sufiicient to bring the'rotors of switch decks 25, 2-6 and 21 back to the original position of Figure 1, and switches 46 and 86 are shifted to their "reproduce positions. Translating magnets I2 of the first lane of the tape are now in circuit with speaker 55, the rotor of switch deck 26 is in position for the tape to be driven in its original direction, and the rotor of switch deck 21.. is in position for the drive motor to be energized through the 0 position contact of selector switch. 63.

vMotor switch -92 is then closed to start the tape Said motoris energized through line BI 10 controlsignal IIZ, which generates a 1000 cycle signal. This is fed through switch 86', then in it's alternate position, directly to amplifier I02, whose output actuates'frelay 'I04,causing' switch I05 toclose. The latter occurrence of course energizes solenoid 34, therebyactuating ratchet Wheel 32 to movethe rotors of switch decks 25, 26 and 21 ahead'on'e step. This in turn switches from first lane-magnets. I2' to'second lane magnets I3, re lvers'e's" the direction of tape drive motor H, and maintains themotor' 2 I" energized through the seleetorfswitchifit. 'The' tape thus travels in its reverse direction, and the recording previously made on lane 2 is' reproduced. The time taken ffor'this reversing action will quite evidently be the same as the time interval during which the 1000 cycle signal I I2 was recorded on'the control lane during the recording operation; namely, about one qua'rter of a second. There is' no noticeable break in the continuity of reproducftion, and inpractice, it is impossible by listening to'det'ermine that the'change-over has been mad from'lane I to1ane2.

Reproduction thusproceeds from the second lane of the tape'to the end thereof, at which time the control magnets 20 encounter the control sig- "nal I I I 'on the tape, causing a 1000 cycle'control signal to be delivered through switch 86 to am'- plifier and so on to energize solenoid tsand actuate the rotors of the" switch decks to move one step ahead. Asfinr'ecording'the motor circuitis nowbr'cken at the gap56of the selector switch, sc the machine stopsautomatically at the terurination of the recording. Motor switch I I0 should then be opened.

Assume that it "is-desired 'tomake a block recording of one'hours duration, with each of the eight lanes"taking seven and one-half minutes thereof. In other words, the block is to be ofth same length on the tape as before,vbut1the recording is to be spread over all eight lanes, as represen'tedin Figure '4. The selector switch 63is this time rotated to bring its gap 66 opposite the e'ighth'conta'ct, indicating that the drive motor will stop at the end of lane 8. The recording op eration will then be initiated as in the first example, controlsignals II I and I I2 being made on the tape as befo're. In this case, however, the selector switch and switch deck 21 do not arrest operation of the machine at the end of lane 2. Control magnets20' encounter the control signal I I'I"'on lane '9, and a 1000 cycle signal is generated inmagnets '20and delivered by circuit lead :84, switch 86, .leads 89and' I 00, switch contacts 99-and'98'andleads. I03 and .IOI. toamplifier I02, whereby. relay I04 is energized and switch I05 closed to actuate solenoid 34. Accordingly, the switch rotors ofdecks 2.5, 26 and 2'Iwill be stepped ahead to their thirdv positions, thereby switching 'over to third lane translating magnets I 4, reversing'the direction of'thetape drive motor back toits original direction, and preserving the closed motor circuit through switch deck 21 and the selector switch 03'. because of the new. position of the latter, described just above. This occurrence requires .typically about acuarter of a second, so that the second record lane overlaps the control's'ignal III on the tape by a distance of perhapsifthreeinches, as indicated in Figure 1. The

signal IIIdoes not "cause an actuation of relay I04 at the? beginning of the tape movement in the new direction for reasons already made evident. Thus the tape is 'driven back and forth between the end limi'tsdetermined by the two wcomroi signals I II and 'II2recorded on the tape,

l and as said signals are encountered at the end portions of the record lanes, a switching operation automatically occurs by which the next succeeding translating magnets are connected in circuit. At the end of lane 8, however, the rotor of switch deck 21 breaks the motor circuit by moving to its ninth position (occupied by the brush 4I) wherein it is disconnected from all of the leads 62 leading toward selector switch 63.

For this one case, therefore, the drive motor stops simply by virtue of the rotor of switch deck 21 reaching its ninth position, and the only reason for pre-setting the selector switch 63 to the dot-dash position is to preserve the energization of the drive motor until the end of record lane 8 has been reached.

To reproduce the eight lane recording made as just above described, switches 46 and 86 are thrown to their alternate positions, and lane selector switch H is actuated once to return the deck switch rotors 25, 26 and 21 to the initial position of Figure 1, which restarts tape drive motor 2I in its original direction, and switches back to first lane magnets I2, whereupon the recordings on the eight lanes of the tape will be reproduced in succession. As the ends of the several lanes are reached, the control magnets 20 encounter the signals III or H2, as the case may be, generating signals which actuate the relay I04 to switch to the next pair of translating magnets and to reverse the direction of th tape, in the manner already described. At the end of lane 8, the machine is stopped as in the recording operation.

We have now given two illustrations, one consisting of a two lane recording, and the other of an eight lane recording, within the end limits of a single block, the length of the block being set by the control signals III and H2, and the number of lanes used before the machine automatically comes to a stop being determined by the setting of the selector switch 63. It will be evident that the selector switch 63 may be set to stop the machine at the end of any even numbered lane, as 2, 4, B or 8, and that in an such case, reproduction may begin at once, without rewinding, on lane I. On the other hand, the selector switch 63 may obviously also be set to stop the machine at the end of any odd numbered lane, as I, 3, 5 or l,though in such a case reproduction from the beginning end of lane I cannot begin without rewinding.

It may sometimes occur that, particularly where the precise recording time duration is not known in advance, it will become desirable to go on following the completion of an eight lane recording within the first block I I and proceed with a second recording within a second block H3, as represented in Figure 6. As one example, if it has been determined at the end of lane 1 that a second block is wanted, the previously described switch I09 may be closed, this switch closure being made a short time prior to the instant when control signal H2 encounters magnets 20. It will be evident that this closure of switch I09 will bypass the signal generated within magnets 20 to ground, so that no signal is in this instance delivered to amplifier I02 for actuation of relay I04. Accordingly, the tape will pass the end limit of the first record block II, and enter upon a clean section of the tape, whereupon a second block H3, of any desired time duration, may be recorded as represented. It will of course be evident that in this instance, the recording might be continued immediately on lane I of'the new block; though it may be preferred to actuatethe selector switch IIG to return operations to lane I, as has been indicated in Figure 6. In Figure 6, numerals H4 and H5 designate'the new end limit signals recorded on the control signal lane to establish the new block, and it will be understood without further detailed description how operations maybe carried on within the second block, or within a third or a fourth, just as previously described in connection with the first block. It will be understood that switch I09 is always available to permit the tape to be driven beyond the end limits of any block, so that the machine may be at any time shifted from any one block to another block. Once, however, the control magnets 20 are between the two end limit control signals of a given block, the tape will not pass in either direction beyond those end limits without operation of the switch I 09.

, Instead of passing onto the second block from the end of lane 1 of the first block, it would also be possible to complete all eight lanes of the first block before going on to the second; or, operations can be transferred to the second block from either end of any lane of the first block. If for instance it becomes desirable to go on to a second block from the end of block 8, the selector switch Ill] may be actuated to return the deck switches to lane I, and the tape may then be allowed to travel to the opposite end of lane I, at which time switch I09 is depressed to permit the end limit signal H2 to be passed. Itwill be evident that upon, passing from one block to the next, it maybe necessary to reset the selector switch 63 to permit automatic stopping of the machine at the proper time. For instance, the switch 63 might first be set to stopthe machine at the end of lane I, It might then be desired to pass on to the second block, but to use only lanes I and 2 thereof, in which case it would be necessary to properly reset the selector switch 63.

Referring again to Figure 6, it will also be "evident that, having finished a recording on for instance all eight lanes of the second block, the switch I09 might be'depressed while the signals H4 and H2 passed the magnets 20, thuspermitlting recording. along previously'unused lane of the first block to the end thereof, just as indicated in Figure 6.

It will also be readily understood thatfor'many purposes'it may become desirable to record on the full length of the tape rather than within a block or subdivision thereof, and that in such cases end limit control signals recorded on the ninth or control lane of the tape near the two ends thereof may be utilized to advantage for purposes of reversing the tape and shifting from lane to lane.

a matter of fact, we prefer to invariably make use of such end limit signals in any event, even when .employing our block system. Thus, as in Figure '7, the tape may have several block recordings, as II and H3, with its respective pairs of end limit signals III, H2 and H4, H5, and'it may also have, on lane 9, outside end limit signals I I6 and I I8- These latter may beplaced on the tape at any time, and serve to safeguard against accidentally running the tape off the reels.

The present disclosure has not included various well known expediencies such as the provision of erasing magnets, or of means of reversing the direction of the tape drive motor 2| without shift- 13 applications and, since they form no part of the present invention, the present disclosure need not be burdened therewith.

One present embodiment of the invention has now been described in some detail, but is to be understood as being for illustrative purposes only, it being understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In a multiple lane sound recording and reproducing system using a magnetizable record tape, the combination of: reversible tape drive means for driving a record tape in reverse directions, translating electromagnet means for successively making recordings in reverse directions on a plurality of transversely spaced longitudinally extending record lanes of the tape, control signal electromagnet means cooperable with a signal lane extending longitudinally of the tape, a signal generator, a control circuit connecting said signal generator to said signal electromagnet means, said control circuit being operable to effect recording of and limit signals at selected localities along said signal lane, and means operable by signals generated in said control signal electromagnet means by said recorded end limit signals to reverse said tape drive means.

2. In a system for making multiple lane recordings on a record tape, the combination of: reversible tape drive means for driving a record tape in reverse directions, translating electromagnet means for successively making recordings in reverse directions on a plurality of transversely spaced longitudinally extending record lanes of the tape, lane selector means operable step-bystep to render said translating electromagnet means efiective with members of said plurality of lanes in predetermined succession, a control signal electromagnet means cooperable with a signal lane extending longitudinally of the tape, a signal generator, an electric circuit including switch means operable for connecting said signal generator to said control signal electromagnetmeans, whereby an end limit recording can be made on said signal lane, and switch controlled means energized by said operation of said switch means to reverse the direction of said reversible tape drive means and to operate said lane selector means.

3. In a system for making multiple lane recordings on a record tape, the combination of: reversible tape drive means for driving a record tape in reverse directions, translating electromagnet means for successively making recordings in reverse directions on a plurality of transversely spaced longitudinally extending record lanes of the tape, lane selector means operable step-bystep to render said translating electromagnet means effective with members of said plurality of lanes in predetermined succession, a control signal electromagnet means cooperable with a signal lane extending longitudinally of the tape, a signal generator, and an electric circuit including switch means operable for connectin said signal generator to said control signal electromagnet means, whereby an end limit recording can be made on said signal lane, and means energized by said operation of said switch means to operate said lane selector means.

4. In a system for making multiple lane recordings on a record tape, the combination of: re versible tape drive means for driving a record tape in reverse directions, translating electromagnet means for successively making recordings in reverse directions on a plurality of transversely spaced longitudinally extending record lanes of the tape, lane selector means operable step-"- by-step to render said translating electromagnet means effective with members of said plurality of lanes in predetermined succession, a control signal electromagnet means cooperable with a signal lane extending longitudinally of the tape, a signal generator, and an electric circuit including switch means operable for connecting said signal generator to said control signal electromagnet means, whereby an end limit recording can be made on said signal lane, and means energized by said operation of said switch means to operate said lane selector means, said electric circuit also including switch means operable to connect said signal generator to said control signal electromagnet means without energizing said switch controlled means.

5. In a system for making multiple lane recordings on a record tape, the combination of: reversible tape drive means for driving a record tape in reverse directions, translating electromagnet means for successively making recordings in reverse directions on a plurality of transversely spaced longitudinally extending record lanes of the tape, lane selector means operable step-bystep to render said translating electromagnet means effective with members of said plurality of lanes in predetermined succession, a control signal electromagnet mean cooperable with a signal lane extending longitudinally of the tape, a signal generator, and an electric circuit for connecting said signal generator to said control signal electromagnet means, said electric circuit including switch means operable to connect said signal generator to said control whereby an end limit recording is made on said signal lane, means energized by said operation of said switch means to operate said lane selector means, said electric circuit also including switch means operable to connect said signal generator to said control signal electromagnet means without energizing said switch controlled means, and a selector switch and circuit for arresting operation of said tape drive means upon a pre-selected operation of said lane selector means.

HERMAN S. HELLER. WILLARD E. STOFER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Great Britain Dec. 17, 1929 signal electromagnet, 

